Congratulations to Nicky & Shaz!
A Durham couple who thought they’d have to put their wedding plans on hold until 2021 were given the green light to hold their wedding at Rockliffe Hall, on Friday 31st July. A little different to normal, Nicky Wynne-Williams, 53, and Shaz Russell, 55, drove to the resort in style, in a convertible Aston Martin, to make their vows in the beautiful grounds of the hotel.
The couple, who met online four years ago, were originally due to tie the knot on June 13th in Newcastle with a big party for 180 guests planned for afterwards. But, like thousands of not-so-happy couples across the country, lockdown put an end to their plans.
“Our decision to postpone our wedding actually turned out to be a good thing,” says Nicky, “because just before lockdown my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. She’s been having treatment at the Freeman Hospital all through lockdown and wouldn’t have been well enough to attend our wedding if it had still taken place in June.”
On top of that, Nicky and her family also recently made the heart-wrenching decision to put their care home business of 20 years into liquidation. She and Shaz have had a very challenging time so when Rockliffe Hall’s wedding team told them they could host a Drive Thru wedding this summer, they jumped at the chance.
The happy couple, both social workers, have both been previously married and have four daughters and four grandchildren between them. Nicky’s mum, Mary, and Shaz’s daughter Jasmine, will be their witnesses, and will also drive up to the registrar at the Summer House in another Aston Martin.
After they said ‘I do’, Shaz, Nicky and their family made their way to the Old Hall terrace which boasts stunning views of Rockliffe Hall’s 365 acre estate and golf course. The brides chose tiered cupcakes for their wedding cake and enjoyed the sunny weather as the guests place garden games on the croquet lawn.
Congratulations to you both! We wish you all the happiness for the future.
With thanks to our wedding suppliers:
Cars – Aston Martin, Newcastle
Photography – David Lawson Studios, Sunderland
Decoration – First Class Wedding Co., Stockton
Favours – Fudge It, Middlesbrough
Cake – Burnett4cakes, Stanley
Flowers – Flowers by Nattrass, Darlington
Music – Magnum Entertainment, Stockton
Magician - Paul Lytton
Love letters - Hollywood Lights
Stationary - Victoria Rickett
Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort hotel and historic destination in the north east of England, has submitted two planning applications as part of a renovation project aimed at cementing its reputation as the leading resort in the region with international appeal.
Rockliffe Hall shortlisted in the North East England Tourism Awards. We are thrilled to announce Rockliffe Hall has been shortlisted as ‘Large Hotel of the Year’ in the North East England Tourism Awards 2025 for the third consecutive year.
We are delighted to announce Samantha Smith, Food and Beverage Supervisor has won the Service Excellence award at the North East Hotels Association (NEHA) Excellence Awards.